A Medway Conservative councillor has complained that rail passengers are being kept in the dark over who will run Kent’s trains under a new franchise.
Cllr Phil Hall complained that most rail users were unaware they could respond to the public consultation as no Medway train stations had displayed information about the exercise.
The Department for Transport has now extended the consultation on the new franchise until the end of the month.
But Mr Hall complained: “The manner in which the consultation is taking place isn’t acceptable, ignoring the eye-watering cost of using trains on this franchise isn’t acceptable and the lack of innovation and effort in dealing with overcrowding isn’t acceptable either.
“I’ve made my feelings, and those of rail users in Strood, very clear to the Department for Transport and hope to see action as a result.”
The details of the new franchise have been widely detailed on the department’s website and through social media.
Consultation was extended until June 30 because of the general election and rules around purdah, which mean restrictions on government activity during the period of an election campaign.
Cllr Hall also says he would like to see the idea of public ownership of the Southeastern franchise given, “serious, independent examination” – a position he accepted would be viewed as unusual for a Conservative.
Among the DfT’s plans are to scrap first class seats on busy commuter trains to create more space for passengers.
The DfT has been approached for comment.
This article originally appeared on Kent Online
